Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are similar in age, a double stroller could be a valuable investment. These narrow tandem buggies as well as versatile side-by-side buggies allow you to keep both children within sight while navigating the grocery aisle, parks, and whatever else life throws at you.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor to consider when shopping for a double-stroller. This can include the seating arrangement as well as the overall size, which can have an impact on the ease of use and storage. "Parents must determine what the stroller weighs and its folded dimensions," says child development expert and mom Katie Billingsley of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat. "They should also consider the recline options for seats as well as the age ranges of their children to ensure it's the perfect fit."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle a variety of surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks, park paths, and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should have a variety of seating options for children at different stages of development, as well as features that provide comfort, such as a peek-aboo windows and adjustable canopy options that shield kids from the sun or rain.
Seating options are important for many families who will utilize double strollers from birth to the age of. "There are two main categories--in-line with one seat ahead of the other, and side by side with seats next to each other," Billingsley explains. Some parents prefer the inline option due to its sleek style and its versatility. Others prefer a wagon style double stroller to make the most space for groceries or bulky items.
In-line models are more likely to have this type of discrepancy. Some products may offer different recline options, with one being almost flat, while the other one remaining fairly upright. Billingsley suggests choosing a model with a near-flat recline and leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children lay comfortably.
Finally, she advises to look for strollers with storage compartments that allow parents to easily access snacks, toys and personal belongings while on the go. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller with an organizer or parent console bag that is attached to the handlebars, which will help keep things within reach.
Some of the best-rated double strollers can be expanded to allow parents to modify the layout according to their family's requirements. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and later converted to tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child gets older.
Safety
Double strollers must be able to support the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be simple to move and push, particularly in tight areas and on difficult terrain. The best strollers feature ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to allow parents to maintain their good posture while pushing them. Another nice feature is a no-rethread seat belt harness, which allows for a more comfortable adjustment of the belts on the seat. Safety features include a robust brake system and wheels which can glide across any surface.
Some parents opt for an arrangement that is side by side to allow both children to see each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing about who gets to sit in which spot, but it isn't foolproof. If the seats are at different heights, a child could punch or kick another while walking when the seats are on different levels.
For parents with twins or siblings close in age, a tandem stroller offers the benefit of being able see both children at the same time. However, they can be wider than other double strollers, meaning they might not fit through all doorways in the interior. You could consider a single-to-double stroller that can be transformed from a single stroller to double in various ways. Popular models include the CYBEX gazelle S.
If you decide to purchase a side-by-side or tandem stroller, make sure the product is certified by JPMA to meet strict safety standards. Pay attention to the maximum weight limit for each seat. Overstepping these limits can cause frame fatigue or other issues.
While it's easy to concentrate on all the extra bells and whistles of the latest stroller, it's crucial to be aware that a stroller essentially a baby carrier that is carried around for long periods of time. It must be easy to clean and maintain as well as comfortable for both passengers. It should also have an easy-to-use, familiar design that allows the person pushing it to maneuver it effortlessly.
Easy to Use
For families on the go, a double stroller should be able to navigate different terrains. Strollers with features such as windows that peek-a-boo, adjustable canopies and sturdy brake systems are essential to ensure the safety of your children. But there are other factors that make them easier to use. For example the stroller must be small enough to fit into the trunk of your car while still offering ample storage space for food items and other things. It is also important to consider thoughtful additions like a one-parent cup holder, parent consoles and an eating tray for children -- all things that can make life on the go with two kids much more manageable.
During our testing we rated the strollers on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it maneuvered in tight spaces. We also assessed how easy it was to fold and unfold and whether or not a specific feature enhanced the overall function of the stroller. For double buggy that converts to single pushchairsandprams.uk , a stroller with no-rethread harnesses makes adjusting the seat belts quick and simple. This is a major selling point for parents who are constantly in motion, as it eliminates the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double scored highly in this metric, as it offered an impressive range of seating configurations and additional accessories to help accommodate growing families. The wagon-style double stroller expands to accommodate an additional seat as well as a bassinet or a toddler-friendly riding board, which is ideal for families with active children who plan long days on the go with multiple children of different age. It also glides effortlessly over pavement, cobblestones and ballfields--and folds flat for easy storage in a closet or trunk. Our tester Kerry loved the simple, intuitive nature of this stroller's design. Its stylish packaging with clearly labeled sections as well as a helpful user guide made putting together this stroller an absolute breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can carry twice as much as one single stroller So, make sure to search for ample storage space. It is important to find a stroller with enough storage space to store the essentials for both parents and children including bottles, toys, snacks, and diapers. Look for pockets and baskets under the seats. Also, think about a stroller that has an expandable cargo space that can accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A quality double stroller should be able to change as your family expands. Billingsley says that some models come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that can expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers permit older siblings to share in the fun with a rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers on the market, from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models that are more for everyday use. As you shop, read user reviews and recommendations from families just like yours to get a better sense of what to expect with the double stroller you choose.
Double strollers are available in three styles: tandem, side-by-side and wagon style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most versatile and ideal for twins as well as children of similar age. Tandem double strollers have two seats arranged in a tandem configuration facing in opposite directions. This is a great option for children of similar age, or siblings who want to be social with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces, and are less likely to fit in doorways.
If you're looking for a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top model from Safety 1st. The testers loved that this budget model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to click in two infant car seats or a single child riding in a convertible toddler seat. Our reviewers also praised the soft memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy, and foam-filled tires that will never stop running flat. And when it's time to fold, this model requires only a couple of pulls on the straps on each seat (under the seat where kids sit) to fold in half.